The 22 million dollar project, expected to be complete early next year, will see a 10 storey complex housing 83 low-cost units built opposite the Fortitude Valley Pool.Australian Red Cross’s Brisbane Centre for Young People, an important initiative for the project, will also be housed in the complex.

Red Cross group manager Matthew Cox says, “Our focus is working with marginalised young people, including those who have experienced homelessness, to provide not just a roof over their head, but the support they need for a better future.”

As of the 2006 Census, there were 2,070 homeless people in Brisbane’s CBD and Fortitude Valley with more than 350 sleeping rough on Brisbane’s streets whilst the remaining 1800 found temporary refuge in emergency accommodation. Federal Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek Ms Plibersek said the Federal Government planned to provide 80,000 new affordable homes across Australia by 2012.